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Cancer survivor honored at annual Love Lights a Tree ceremony

Friends and family of Judith Castleberry gathered for a ceremony at Gateway Medical Center Sunday to show their support as she was named 2015 Honorary Chairperson of Love Lights a Tree, a local fundraiser that benefits the American Cancer Society.

Cancer survivor honored at annual Love Lights a Tree ceremony

Judith Castleberry (L) is presented a painting by Lynne Griffey (R) at Sunday's Love LIghts a Tree ceremony. The local fundraiser names an Honorary Chairperson each year. Castleberry is now cancer-free after a one-year battle with breast cancer.(Photo: Tony Centonze)

Friends and family of Judith Castleberry gathered for a ceremony at Gateway Medical Center Sunday to show their support as she was named 2015 Honorary Chairperson of Love Lights a Tree, a local fundraiser that benefits the American Cancer Society.

The program was founded by Wanda Burchett in 1989. This is the 26th year volunteers have raised money for cancer research. Lights are purchased in honor or memory of loved ones, $5 for a single light or $100 for a strand.

Each December an evening ceremony is held, the honorary chairperson is named and, with the flip of a switch, the tree's hundreds of lights come to life. The lights represent the love and support of friends and family members as they join their loved ones in the battle against cancer.

One of the biggest challenges is keeping the secret. The new chairperson is not told of the committee's decision prior to the ceremony. Past Chairman Steve Jones made the announcement.

“One year ago, our new chairperson's life was interrupted and changed when she received a diagnosis of breast cancer,” Jones said. “But, she took the bull by the horns, she went after the cancer, she changed her life values, started exercising and dieting, doing everything necessary to become a survivor.”

Castleberry pursued all medical strategies, radiation, chemo treatments and surgery. She also began a holistic program of exercise, nutrition and prayer.

“She has been an educator in our community for 40 years,” Jones said. “Now she serves as a mentor for others with cancer, providing them with a new set of goals and strategies. I'm proud to announce, one year later, she is cancer free. It is with a great deal of admiration and pride we name Judith Castleberry as the 2015 Honorary Chairperson for Love Lights a Tree.”

“I didn't know this was going to happen,” Castleberry said. “I just have to say thank you. You have to know, when I was first diagnosed, a friend called and asked, 'Can I put you on our church prayer list?' At first I said no. I hung up the phone. Then, I called her right back and said, 'Put me on that prayer list, and tell anybody on that list that if they want, they can put me on another one.' I have to admit, when I walked in here tonight and saw so many of my friends and family from so far away, I knew something was up,”

Love Lights a Tree, a fundrasier for the American Cancer Society named Judith Castleberry Honorary Chairperson for 2015 at a ceremony Sunday. The retired educator was surrounded by friends and family who came to show their support.(Photo: Tony Centonze)

Castleberry said that in the spring of 2014 she went to her doctor for her yearly mammogram. Her doctor found a suspicious place and recommended further investigation. Luckily it was caught early.

“I was afraid at first,” Castleberry said. "But, it didn't take me long to realize … you just come to a place in your mind and heart that you know everyone on earth is going to die of something. So, if this is it for you, this is it. You just put your faith in God, and you move forward.”

She decided to fight, and asked God for help.

“With the support of Glen, my husband of 45 years, friends, relatives, my church, everyone, I made it through.” Castleberry said. “It was a trip. And, it was frightening at first. But, once you get the resolve, that you know it's going to be okay, you just carry on.”

Original art by Lynne Griffey was given to this year's Love Lights a Tree Honorary Chairperson, Judith Castleberry.(Photo: Tony Centonze)